Kathleen Wixted Francis

Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Kathleen Wixted Francis
Wayne, Pennsylvania

All This Joy
Fiber-Quilt
73 x 62 inches
1999
Catalog No. 12

When my husband of 30 years was diagnosed with lung cancer, I was
devastated. In shock, I picked up whatever project was already
started. It seemed my creativity had simply vanished, but my hands
still needed to work. Throughout his illness, our doctors told us a
positive attitude could make the difference. I needed to believe
that. I needed the bright yellows and clear blues that my hands
finally reached for. It was truly a joy to sew each stitch with a
positive light.

It is strange how the sudden threat of loss makes you realize how
precious what you have is. When cancer touches those you care
about, it is as if your eyes are suddenly opened to the smell of air,
the glint of sun on the water, the warmth of a hug. It is almost as
if you need the pain to recognize the promise, as if you need the
sorrow to see the joy.